When excited children and adults exclaim those five magical words “I’m going to Disney World!,” most people immediately think Cinderella’s Castle, the magical parades, the thrilling attractions, or the entertaining characters, but not many people think about the Disney resort hotels. They are the true Disney secrets.
There are many hotels to choose from on the Disney property, but only one offers the most spectacular view and unique atmosphere. Whether you are staying on this hotel property or at a different Disney Hotel, the Polynesian Resort offers a beautiful view of the castle from across the lake. Did I mention this experience is free! That’s right, it’s free to all Disney guests if you know how to get there! Lucky for you, I spent a semester working at Disney World so I know a lot of the hidden secrets of Disney.
You can get into the Disney’s Polynesian Resort even if you are not staying there. Disney encourages guests to check out their resorts, but they want to always make sure that they know the amenities (pools) are for guests of that resort only.
From any park or Downtown Disney area, you can get on the Disney bus to the Polynesian; also, you can take the Monorail from Epcot or just get on the monorail from the Magic Kingdom parking lot and get off at the Polynesian Resort stop. Either way, you will arrive at the beautiful themed Polynesian Resort.
Explore the grounds and look around, but the most important part of this adventure is to go at night and arrive about an hour before the fireworks at Magic Kingdom! When you arrive at the hotel by bus, fiery tiki torches guide your path to the main lobby. When you walk through the doors, you feel like you are in another paradise and a whole new world waits you.
The first stop necessary is in Captain Cook’s, the quick-service dining area, where you will find those delectable Dole Pineapple Whips! The only place other than Magic Kingdom where you can get these amazing treats, however, the Polynesian gives you the opportunity to try out your ice creaming coning (or cup) ability by allowing you to get as much ice cream as you can fit in your cup or cone. It really is a challenge and fun for everyone to see how high you can get your Pineapple Dole Whip!
After purchasing your Dole Whip, go for a stroll out toward the pool, but don’t stop there. Continue along the tiki torch path out to the sand and the beautiful lake (grab some towels by the pool if you want to sit down on one or you get cold easily). They have tons of lakeside seats and even hammocks for you to relax in until the fireworks. The best seats by far are the swinging chairs or, my personal favorite, the hammocks all the way to the right down the beach away from everyone. It is quiet, peaceful, and so relaxing while you enjoy your Pineapple Dole Whip!
Yes, the fireworks will be starting soon, but wait what is this? Music starts playing but everyone knows it’s not time for the fireworks yet so what is going on?
It’s the amazing, fun, and entertaining Electrical Water Pageant that only plays for the few lucky hotels around the lake. It is whimsical and refreshing to be surprised by this cute light show that happens every night before the fireworks. It might be silly, but you will remember this light show after you leave Disney. It includes seas creatures, King Triton, and even a patriotic section. As the show wraps up and floats away, you know the main event of the night is quickly approaching and your excitement level climbs as you are laying back and relaxing on the sand or in a hammock with friends, family, or a loved one that you want to share this experience with.
Finally, the music starts to play and this time you know it’s the music that goes along with the fireworks from Magic Kingdom. You see the castle go dark as you relax away from the crowds and enjoy the spectacular Wishes fireworks show. The fireworks are perfectly choreographed with the music as you look out onto the lake to see the reflections from the fireworks high up in the sky.
It’s breath-taking scenery that can be enjoyed only in this atmosphere at the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World. The feeling of being in Hawaii allows you to escape your vacation in Florida to another vacation you never thought you could have on the east coast. Palm trees, sand, Dole pineapple whip, hammock, fireworks, and a beautiful view of Cinderella’s Castle from across a lake!
Who would think you can enjoy all those things at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida? Those that know the hidden secrets of Disney, that’s who.
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